As part of the ongoing 21st Parthenium Awareness Week–2026, the Farmer FIRST Programme (FFP) team of the ICAR–Directorate of Weed Research (ICAR–DWR), Jabalpur, organized a Parthenium Awareness Programme at Padariya High School of Kundam block, Jabalpur, MP on 21 August 2026. The programme aimed to create awareness among the farmers and students about the harmful effects of parthenium weed and promote its effective management.
During the programme, Dr. P. K. Mukherjee, Principal Scientist and PI of FFP, ICAR–DWR, delivered a detailed lecture on the identification, harmful effects, and management of Parthenium. He also highlighted the importance of observing Parthenium Awareness Week for creating wider awareness about the agricultural, environmental, and health impacts of the weed and encouraging community participation in its management. A total of 75 participants, including 12 women farmers and 45 students, 2 school teachers attended the programme and actively participated in the awareness activities. The programme provided an opportunity for farmers, teachers and students to interact with scientists and enhance their understanding of Parthenium management.
As part of the programme, vegetable seed kits of ICAR-IIVR were also distributed to FFP beneficiary farmers to encourage kitchen gardening and support livelihood diversification. The programme was coordinated by Dr. Dasari Sreekanth and Dr. Jamaludheen A., Co-PIs of FFP. The programme strengthened awareness among farmers and students about the adverse impacts of Parthenium and the importance of collective efforts for its effective management.